§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence for what purpose H.M.S. "Ark Royal" has been used since its completion in 1955; and whether he will consider its future, with a view to removing it from active service.
§ Mr. MayhewH.M.S. "Ark Royal" is employed as a fleet aircraft carrier, as she has been since her completion in 1955. She is thus a principal and essential unit of our main naval forces. She has a number of years of useful life ahead of her, we plan to give her a refit starting next year, and there is no intention of removing her from active service in the present decade.